Billions of bits of data barrage students everyday. How do we prepare students to read these numbers? How can students use numbers to formulate scientific arguments? In this session we will focus on the changing nature of numeracy.
We will also discuss how to use classroom websites as a way to connect school and home. Websites allow learning to continue after the final bell, provide scaffolding of math skills,build a community of learners, and model New Literacies skills.
Argumentative writing is key to understanding and communicating science concepts. How do we prepare students to examine the many perspectives that influence the positions we take? How do we teach students to judge the truthfulness and usefulness of website.
Numeracy in Internet Inquiry
When students have to complete Internet Inquiry they often use numbers to substantiate claims. This data is being presented in new modes. For example graphs are interactive, and videos contain numerical data. Too often students do not understand how to read these numbers they simply "snatch and grab" and throw them into a paper or PPT.
Watch the video and discuss the following questions:
- What was the students initial reaction to numerical data?
- How did the teacher provide support?
- Do you feel the students understand how to use the information?
- What would you do to teach these students?
Creating a Classroom Webpage for Mathematics
One of the best methods to supporting students in the math classroom is to create a website.
Class websites:
- Create a home and school connection.
- Provide a method for planning.
- Act as a repository of materials for absent students.
- Model New Literacies practices.
- Support learners who struggle with organization
Check out the template for the possible design of math webpage. Then we can discuss the following questions:
- What elements are the most useful?
- What elements would you not use?
- What do you think could be added?
- What resources exist in your building? What free resources could you use?
Argumentative Writing in Science
How do we support argumentative writing in science while also building critical evaluation skills? Too often we ask student to choose a position before investigating or collecting evidence. This approach then biases students toward evidence that supports their conclusion and doesn't encourage students to consider multiple perspectives.
Two research based methods teachers can use to encourage the gathering of evidence:
- Vee Diagrams
- Role Playing
Vee Diagrams
Argumentative Vee Diagrams (see figure 3) are a graphic organizer, which encourage students to consider both sides of an issue, and to evaluate arguments before choosing opinions. According to Nussbaum (2008) “AVDs are based on the theoretical concept of argument– counterargument integration, which involves evaluating and integrating both sides of an issue before developing a final
conclusion on a controversial question” (p. 549).
Download Vee Diagram w/ Scaffolding
Online Role Playing
Beach et al. (2008) noted that through online role playing students construct a persona, use rhetorical appeal, identify arguments and counter-arguments, and change their own position.
You can set up a social networks, called a NING, and have students create these persona and debate online.
Miscellaneous Graphic Organizers to support Internet inquiry
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Posted by: Contactattempt | 12/11/2009 at 05:08 AM